Systems and methods for detecting a sitting duck scenario of a vehicle on or near a road are disclosed. The current location and speed of the vehicle are used for different comparisons and/or determinations, including a comparison to road-specific information to determine whether the vehicle is in a particular proximity of a highway, and a determination whether the vehicle has been stationary continuously for at least a specified duration. Additional comparisons and/or determinations may be used. If such an occurrence has been detected, one or more notifications are generated, and provided to one or more of the vehicle operator and/or a remote computing server.
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2. The system of claim 1, wherein the particular proximity is determined based on a distance threshold, and wherein the distance threshold is 100 feet or less, and wherein the specified duration is at least 5 minutes.
A system for monitoring and managing proximity-based interactions between individuals or devices in a defined area. The system addresses the need to track and control physical proximity to mitigate risks such as disease transmission, unauthorized access, or security breaches. The system determines when two entities (e.g., people, devices, or assets) are within a specific distance threshold of each other, defined as 100 feet or less. If the entities remain within this proximity for a specified duration of at least 5 minutes, the system triggers an alert or action, such as logging the interaction, notifying relevant parties, or enforcing a security measure. The system may use sensors, wireless signals, or location tracking to measure distance and duration. This approach ensures compliance with safety protocols, enhances situational awareness, and supports automated decision-making in environments where proximity control is critical, such as healthcare facilities, workplaces, or restricted areas. The system can be integrated with existing monitoring infrastructure or deployed as a standalone solution.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the distance threshold used to determine the particular proximity varies based on one or more of (i) a particular type of a road closest to the current location of the vehicle, (ii) a particular type of the obtained geographical location information, (iii) how many traffic lanes are heading in a same direction as the vehicle at the current location of the vehicle, (iv) how many traffic lanes form the road closest to at the current location of the vehicle, and (v) a speed limit for the road closest to at the current location of the vehicle.
A vehicle-based system dynamically adjusts a proximity threshold for determining when a vehicle is near a geographical location, such as a point of interest or a navigation destination. The system obtains the vehicle's current location and geographical location information, then evaluates proximity based on a variable distance threshold. This threshold adapts based on multiple factors, including the type of road nearest to the vehicle, the type of geographical location information being used, the number of traffic lanes in the same direction as the vehicle, the total number of lanes on the nearest road, and the speed limit of that road. For example, the threshold may be shorter on a highway with multiple lanes compared to a narrow urban street, or it may adjust based on whether the location is a specific address or a general area. This dynamic adjustment ensures accurate proximity detection under varying road conditions and location types, improving navigation and location-based services. The system may also use this proximity determination to trigger actions, such as alerts or route adjustments, when the vehicle approaches the target location.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of designated areas for stopping vehicles includes rest stops and travel centers.
This invention relates to a vehicle management system designed to optimize traffic flow and safety by designating specific areas for vehicle stopping. The system addresses the problem of uncontrolled vehicle stopping, which can lead to congestion, accidents, and inefficient use of road infrastructure. The designated stopping areas are strategically placed to minimize disruptions while ensuring drivers have safe and convenient locations to stop. The system includes a network of designated stopping areas, which are pre-determined locations where vehicles are permitted to stop. These areas are equipped with infrastructure to support stopping activities, such as rest stops and travel centers. Rest stops provide short-term parking and basic amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, while travel centers offer additional services such as fuel, food, and lodging. By directing vehicles to these designated areas, the system reduces unauthorized stopping on roadways, improving traffic safety and efficiency. The system may also include monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with stopping regulations. Sensors or cameras can detect unauthorized stopping, and automated alerts or enforcement actions can be triggered. Additionally, the system may integrate with navigation systems to guide drivers to the nearest designated stopping area, further enhancing compliance and convenience. The overall goal is to create a structured and efficient stopping infrastructure that balances driver needs with traffic management objectives.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the set of designated areas for stopping vehicles further includes common stop areas that have been identified based on historical vehicle usage.
The invention relates to a vehicle control system designed to manage vehicle stopping areas in a designated environment, such as a parking lot or transportation hub. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing vehicle movement and parking by dynamically identifying and allocating stopping areas based on real-time and historical data. The system includes sensors or data sources that monitor vehicle positions and movements, as well as a processing unit that analyzes this data to determine optimal stopping locations. These stopping areas are categorized into predefined zones, such as loading zones, charging stations, or general parking spots, and are dynamically adjusted based on current demand and usage patterns. Additionally, the system incorporates common stop areas identified from historical vehicle usage data, allowing it to predict and allocate frequently used stopping points to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. The system may also include communication interfaces to relay stopping area assignments to vehicles, ensuring coordinated movement and adherence to designated zones. By leveraging both real-time and historical data, the system optimizes space utilization and minimizes delays in vehicle operations.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first determination includes a determination that any part of the vehicle is within a specified minimum distance of any part of a highway having one or more traffic lanes heading in opposite directions, wherein the specified minimum distance is at least 25 feet.
This invention relates to a vehicle safety system designed to detect and prevent potential collisions with oncoming traffic. The system monitors a vehicle's position relative to highways with opposing traffic lanes to ensure safe operation. A key feature is the determination of whether any part of the vehicle is within a specified minimum distance, at least 25 feet, from any part of such a highway. This helps avoid accidents by identifying proximity risks, particularly in scenarios where the vehicle might be near or crossing into opposing traffic lanes. The system likely integrates sensors, such as GPS or proximity detectors, to continuously assess the vehicle's position and alert the driver or take corrective action if the minimum distance threshold is breached. The invention addresses the problem of collisions with oncoming vehicles by providing an automated safety mechanism that enforces a safe buffer zone around highways with opposing traffic directions. This is particularly useful for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, where precise spatial awareness is critical to prevent accidents. The system may also include additional features, such as dynamic adjustments to the minimum distance based on speed or environmental conditions, to further enhance safety.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein determining the current location of the vehicle includes determining a current road selected from the one or more roads such that the current road is closer to the current location of the vehicle than other roads in the one or more roads, wherein the current road has a centerline between traffic lanes heading in opposite directions, wherein the combination of at least three determinations includes a determination that the vehicle is stationary in an orientation parallel to the current road, and wherein the first determination is that the current location of the vehicle is within 50 feet of the centerline of the current road.
This invention relates to vehicle positioning systems that determine a vehicle's location relative to a road network. The problem addressed is accurately identifying a vehicle's position on a road, particularly when the vehicle is stationary, to support navigation, autonomous driving, or traffic monitoring applications. The system determines a vehicle's current location by identifying a road from a set of nearby roads that is closest to the vehicle. The selected road has a centerline separating lanes of opposing traffic. The system then verifies the vehicle's position by combining at least three determinations. First, it confirms the vehicle is stationary and aligned parallel to the road. Second, it ensures the vehicle's location is within 50 feet of the road's centerline. Additional determinations may include verifying the vehicle's orientation or proximity to lane markings. This approach improves accuracy by cross-referencing multiple spatial and positional factors, reducing errors in stationary vehicle localization. The system is useful for applications requiring precise road-based positioning, such as automated parking, traffic management, or vehicle-to-infrastructure communication.
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February 12, 2021
May 28, 2024
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